EPD investigates hit-and-run as attempted murder

Authorities are now investigating the hit-and-run at the intersection of Buhne and Pine streets in Eureka on Jan. 12 as an attempted homicide.

Eureka Police Department Detective Ron Harpham said the nature of the crime changed after a connection between the victim and suspect was discovered.

"The driver and the victim were acquaintances; there was an ongoing problem with stolen property," Harpham said. "There was no accidental reason for the driver to hit her on the sidewalk."

Harpham said he spoke to the victim's family last Friday, and they told him she was in a drug-induced coma at a Santa Rosa hospital. The victim's injuries and other factors led authorities to believe the driver ran over the victim, Harpham said. Investigators are hoping to talk with the victim when she is physically able. No arrest has been made in the case.

Officials said they are not releasing the names of the victim or the suspect due to the ongoing investigation.

The 49-year-old woman was standing near the northwest corner of Buhne and Pine streets in Eureka when she was struck by a light colored pickup truck at about 11 a.m. on Jan. 12. The driver of the truck, traveling southbound on Pine Street, reportedly sped through a stop sign and struck the victim on the sidewalk. The truck fled southbound on Union Street.

EPD Traffic Officer Tim Jones said the truck was located outside the city on Jan. 13. He declined to disclose the location, citing the pending investigation.